Worcester lawyer reprimanded over pedestrian accident

The Board of Bar Overseers has publicly reprimanded a Worcester lawyer who struck a pedestrian in 2011 while driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to the state board, Yancy L. Garnett, who maintains a Dix Street office, ran a stop sign and hit a pedestrian July 12, 2011. The pedestrian’s companion removed the keys from Mr. Garnett’s car, and he walked off. Mr. Garnett was arrested a few blocks from the accident, according to the Board of Bar Overseers.

On June 12, 2012, Mr. Garnett admitted to sufficient facts in Worcester District Court to driving under the influence of alcohol, and the case was continued without a finding to May 14, according to the board.

The board filed a petition for discipline alleging Mr. Garnett violated the state’s rules of professional conduct, and received a response from Mr. Garnett. The parties agreed to recommend Mr. Garnett receive a public reprimand.

“In aggravation, the criminal conduct resulted in an injury to a pedestrian, the respondent left the accident scene, and he had previously admitted to sufficient facts to leaving the scene of property damage,” the board said in a statement. “In mitigation, the respondent’s criminal conduct did not involve the representation of a client and he had sought counseling.”